Great Bend–Louis (Louie) Herren, 95, left this world on January 15, 2018, leaving behind his loved ones and those that loved him. Louis was born November 22, 1922 on the family farm west of Great Bend. The first born William (Bill) and Minnie (Damm) Herren. After graduating from Great Bend High School, he spent three years in the service of his country. During World War II he spend much of it in the European Theater, reaching the rank of T/SGT in the 71st Division, 571 signal Supply. He was united in marriage to Julia Fish November 22, 1946 at the 5th Ave Baptist Church in Great Bend.

Louis life was woven by his deep faith, and love of his family. Among his community of friends he was respected for his honesty, integrity, and personal beliefs. His love of working with wood led to many homes being built in Great Bend and surrounding area. An injury forced early retirement from building homes. Louis was a master carpenter, finish man and homebuilder. Many young men were taught the carpentry trade by Louis. He always took pride in his work. His sense of humor carried him through many trials.

Louis loved his family and would do anything to help them whenever they needed it. Louis and his wife loved to travel with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, covering most of the United States.

Survivors include his wife Julia of the home; daughters Carol Selle (Dwight) and Carla Ziegler (Jim); granddaughters Sheri Wornkey (Alan), Mitzi Hanes (Michael) and Terra Miller (Scott); great-grandchildren Kobi and Kalib Wilson, Michael Ringo, Alex Cook and Kholi Miller; brothers Charles ( Colleen), Albert (Marilyn) and Arthur (Margaret). He was preceded in death by son Louis Herren Jr, brother Willis (John) and sister Wilma Hebner.

No visitation or services will be held, cremation has taken place. Louis wishes were to be remembered as he lived and loved.

Memorials are requested to St Jude’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home

GREAT BEND – Mary Louise Durland, 77, of Great Bend, died January 14, 2018, at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita.  She was born June 19, 1940 at Garden City, to Alexander Michael and Ruby Evelyn (Ritchie) Kohn.

Mary married Gary Durland November 17, 1962 at Spearville.  Mary, a resident of Great Bend since 1963 moving from Dodge City, was a homemaker and 30 year child care provider.  She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Rose, Altar Society, and Daughters of Isabella.  She enjoyed painting, quilting, and sewing.  Above all, she loved and cherished her family.

Survivors include her husband, Gary Durland, of the home; two sons Ron Durland and wife Diane of Great Bend, and David Durland and wife Angela of Spring Hill; four daughters, Barbara Downey and husband Delbert of Wright, Jeanette Standlee and husband Brian of Belvue, Linda Durland of Wichita, Carla Durland of Wichita; one brother, Galen Kohn and wife Doris of Dodge City; one sister-in-law, Sandy Kohn and friend Jerry Hale of Cimarron; 10 Grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by one son, Gregory Durland, and one brother, Charlie Kohn.

A Mass of Christian will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Great Bend, with Father Ted Stoecklein. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, with an Altar Society Rosary at 4:00 pm and a Vigil with a Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 7:00 p.m. all at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials have been established with the Great Bend Senior Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

 

GREAT BEND — Dade Michael Cannon, 14, of Great Bend, passed away peacefully January 12, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family.  He was born December 15, 2003 at Great Bend, to Manford Cannon and Christy Huslig.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, Dade was a student at Great Bend Middle School.  Dade was a devoted New England Patriot’s fan, and had many passions, including, music, reading, art, sports, animae, and video games.  A few of his most recent highlights were being invited to throw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game, and a Kansas City Royals game.  His love of life was demonstrated through his brave heart, kind smile, and selfless love for his family.

Survivors include his mother, Christy Huslig and father in heart, Darin DeWitt; four brothers, Micah Yellowwolf and fiancé Tana of Great Bend, Mason Yellowwolf of the home, Kody Becker of Great Bend, and Drew DeWitt, of the home; one niece, Charlee Yellowwolf; grandparents, Beverly Brown, Cecelia Nicolet, and Dennie DeWitt; great grandparents, LaRea Cravens and Mary Lou Brown.  He was preceded in passing by grandparents, Ron Huslig, Dorothy Cannon, and Louis DeWitt; and great grand grandparents, Charlie Brown, Art Cravens, Bernard and Jo Huslig, and Ruth Cannon.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday, January 18, 2018, at First Assembly Of God in Great Bend, with Pastor Tony Mercer and Pastor Dwight Dozier.  Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery North, Great Bend.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials have been suggested to Kans for Kids, Camp Hope, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Inn at NIH, MD, or Eric’s Camp Fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

 

GREAT BEND — Roland L. “Smitty” Smith, Jr., 68, of Great Bend, died, January 9, 2018, at Via Christi St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wichita, KS. He was born March 10, 1949, at Great Bend, to Roland Lee and Marlene Leora (Walter) Smith, Sr.  Roland married Jane Foss on September 28, 1968 at Great Bend.

Smitty, a lifetime resident of Great Bend, currently owned and operated Smith Supply, LLC, and was previously employed as a Field Sales Representative for National Oilwell Supply Company and A&W Supply, as well as the Circulation Manager of the Great Bend Tribune.  He was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association, Current President of the Kiowa Gun Club, Current President of the Kansas Oil and Gas Museum and Hall of Fame, a Life Member of the N.R.A., board member of the United Way of Central Kansas, and served as a former reserve officer for the Barton County Sheriff.   His passion for area youth sports and activities were displayed through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the United States of America, and as a Life Member in the Great Bend High School Booster Club.  He had previously served as the manager for the American Legion Argonne Post 180 baseball team, a board member of the Golden Belt Babe Ruth Association, and sponsored many youth athletic teams, as well as the Barton County 4-H Air Rifle Team.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Smith, of the home; one son, Chris Smith and wife Deena of Great Bend; two daughters, Erin Bird and husband Kevin of Lawrence, and Molly Brown and husband Auston, of Hutchinson; two brothers, Steve Smith of Warrensburg, Missouri, and Randy Smith and wife Jenny of Wichita; one sister, Misty Findley and husband Earl of Kechi;  and seven grandchildren, Marlee Bird, Laurel Bird, Hadley Bird, Brayden Smith, Riley Smith, Adelle Smith, and Wyatt Brown.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, presided by Father Don Bedore.  Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2018, with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home.  Memorials have been designated to the Kiowa Gun Club or Kansas Oil and Gas Museum, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

 

Great Bend – Leonard William Bullard, 76, died January 6, 2018, at Woodhaven Care Center, Ellinwood. He was born October 22, 1941 at Great Bend the son of Nile Arden and Mildred Irene (Ward) Bullard.

Leonard was united in marriage to Judith Cates on June 25, 1961 at Great Bend. He was employed by Kansas Brick and Tile Co. Inc. Hoisington, as a welder and in maintenance for 26 years. He was a long time Great Bend resident and a member of the NRA. Leonard raced cars with his sons, and loved to hunt and fish. He was a hardworking man and faithful to his family, being a proud grandpa.

Survivors include his wife, Judith; two sons, Alan and companion Susan, and Bill, all of Great Bend; mother, Mildred Bullard of Great Bend; sisters, Mary Bullard of Great Bend and Nilene Bullard of CA; brother, Dick Bullard and his wife Sally of Great Bend; grandchildren, Dani Bullard and fiancé Bryce Sirrine, Alyx and husband Jordan Batman, Taylor Bullard, Peyton Bullard, Shay Lynn Hoch, Dalton Hoch, Reese Bullard, and Keldon Bullard; great grandchildren, Rowyn Batman, Elly and Juni Hoch; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Nile, and brother Leedy Bullard.

Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m., Monday January 15, 2018, at King United Methodist Church, 1608 Odell, Great Bend, with Laurie White officiating and Levi Keenan giving the eulogy. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Monday following the services, at the church. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials have been requested to King United Methodist Church or Woodhaven Care Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.    

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

                        Arrangements by      Bryant Funeral Home           

1425 Patton Road        Great Bend, Kansas     67530

 

Leo P. “Red” Moeder, 86, died January 7, 2018, at Hays Ks. He was born March 21, 1931, in Odin, Kansas, the son of Edward and Ida (Penka) Moeder. He attended school in Odin, graduating with the class of 1949. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Scott on March 19, 1960 in Miami, OK.

Leo was a lathe operator for Western Truck from 1973 to 2008. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin, Knights of Columbus and the VFW. Leo was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army as a CPL.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie Moeder; three daughters Robin Walker and husband Sam of Wichita, Beth Myers and husband Shaun of Albuquerque, NM, Lee Axman and husband Dan of Olmitz; three brothers Rich Moeder and wife Jean of Great Bend, Eddie Moeder of Hutchinson, Larry Moeder and wife Jan of Great Bend; sisters Vi Prosser of Larned, Mary Ann Fisher and husband Don of Plainville; grandchildren Naomi, Matthew, Meghann, Tyler, Nick; six great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter Jamie, brothers Leonard, Ray and August, sister Monica Schneider.

Vigil with Rosary will be 7 p.m., Tuesday Jan 9, 2018 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Odin, celebrated by Father Ted Stoecklein. Burial will be at Holy Family Cemetery. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Odin Cemetery or Almost Home in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Dale Francis Stoecklein passed away at his home in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 25, 2017. He was 56. Born on Aug. 25, 1961, in Colby, Dale was the fifth of nine children of Theodore and Pauline (Wirtz) Stoecklein.

After graduating from Colby High School in 1979, Dale received an associate’s degree from Colby Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. In the years that followed, Dale made his home in many places throughout the country, including Oklahoma, Philadelphia, Orlando, and Denver.

Dale discovered that he had a unique gift for working with people, listening to their issues and needs, and making them feel important. He recently earned a national award for being one of the top customer relations representatives with IKEA.

There is a lot that Dale loved.

He loved spending hours exploring libraries. He loved watching baseball. He loved karate. He loved to laugh. He loved being an uncle. And he loved being one of those Stoecklein kids growing up in Colby—running barefoot on the hot sidewalks to the local pool, getting his fishing line tangled with those of his brothers, playing all sports and excelling especially in competitive swimming, and posing for photos with his brothers and sisters under the big tree in the backyard.

There is a lot that Dale loved. And there are a lot who loved Dale. We miss you, brother.

He is survived by his brothers Mike of Lakeville, Minn., Mark of Seattle, Wash., Paul of Idyllwild, Calif., and Fr. Ted of Great Bend; his sister Mary Disberger of Wamego; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth and David, and sister Linda Holzhuter.

Funeral services and inurnment are planned for later in the spring in Great Bend. The date is yet to be determined but will be close to the opening of baseball season, which was a Holy Day of Obligation for Dale. Memorials are requested to the Dale Stoecklein funeral expense fund, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Visit bryantfh.net to leave condolences for the family.

Dateline: Olmitz, Kansas

Imelda A. “Meldie” Riedel, 76, died January 1, 2018, at her home in Olmitz.  She was born March 15, 1941, in Hoisington, Kansas, the daughter of Henry P. and Augusta (Hlavaty) Lichter.

She attended Otis Rural High School.  On October 20, 1958, she married John B. Riedel at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz.

A lifetime resident of Olmitz, Imelda was a homemaker and daycare provider.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Imelda had a great love for cards, bingo and the lottery. She loved most of all cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, John B. Riedel of the home; six children, Brenda Riedel of Olmitz, Tom Riedel of Wichita, Sandy Urban and husband Charlie of Olmitz, Richard Riedel and wife Shelley of Hoisington, Linda Pechanec and husband Tom of Timken, Sheila Schilowsky of Great Bend; brother, John Henry Lichter and wife Connie of Great Bend; sister, Mary Lou Schenk of Olmitz; 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Tammy Jo Riedel, and sisters, Barbara Masterson and Beverly Zink.

Vigil with Rosary will be 7 p.m., Thursday, with family to greet friends at 6 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30, Friday, January 5th, 2018, at St. Ann Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Louis Hoang. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery.

Friends may call 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Olmitz Fire Department or Kans for Kids in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.